MTH Trolley Auto Mode with Conventional Transformer

It's because you are using a Lionel electronic transformer to create the bell and whistle sequence. Lionel uses a microprocessor to read your button press inputs and then manipulate the AC output with the DC offsets. There is both a delay between the instant you press a Lionel whistle or bell switch and the signal starts, but more importantly after you release the switch, the output signal continues.

MTH engines are looking for very short bell and whistle button presses in an exact timed sequence that is different than normal bell and whistle signals to make various sound sequences.

If you used a Z1000 and MTH Zcontroller, you would find activating the sequence much easier because the buttons respond instantly.

Again, the Lionel CW80, GW180, and ZW-L all seem to have very similar firmware characteristics regarding bell and whistle button responsiveness.

You might try an external DIY diode based bell and whistle button sequence box or another option is a K-line 952B or C revision whistle box to your conventional track.

Examples of DIY solutions in this related topic https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...7#164024807327903057

Again from the manual, this is what the trolley is expecting.

https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/30dl17835i.pdf

The challenge you have with a Lionel transformer, there is a delay from when you press a button before the actual signal is output to the track and then a second and slightly different delay in how long the signal continues after releasing the switch.

Page 10 covers Auto mode

Vernon, I think you hit on the issue, that being the new Lionel transformer.  I've got a couple of old sound activation buttons on my workbench and I'll give them a try.  If they work, I will look to find or make something similar.  I'll post how it goes.  Thank you!

It worked just fine on my workbench using the two Lionel activation buttons, so I'm pretty sure it's just the new electronics in the ZW-L as Vernon says.  I'm going to build a simple version of activation button controllers for my control panel tied to my trolley track.  Thanks again!

@Burl posted:

It worked just fine on my workbench using the two Lionel activation buttons, so I'm pretty sure it's just the new electronics in the ZW-L as Vernon says.  I'm going to build a simple version of activation button controllers for my control panel tied to my trolley track.  Thanks again!

Burl,

It's not the electronics in the ZW-L. It's the software inside, and also inside the ZW-C, Legacy PowerMasters, and later-model TPC's.

In spite of having the problem Vernon has mentioned, which is "slow buttons", all of them also have special software to do "fast buttons" instead if you'd like to, specifically for conventional mode and for use with MTH products.  Here's an example, pulled from the TPC 3000 Owner's Manual (look for a similar section in the ZW-L's manual):

Unfortunately these are not accessible from the throttles or whistle and bell buttons on the ZW-L or ZW-C's, but only from a CAB-1, CAB-1L, or CAB-2 remotely controlling a ZW-L, ZW-C, Legacy PowerMaster or later-model TPC.

If you can live with this restriction however you can put in, using a CAB-2, CAB-1L, or a CAB-1, your auto stop whistle and bell codes, by using the Fast Horn and Fast Bell buttons as shown above, and your auto stop should work as expected.

UPDATE: In the past I've been unable to confirm that the ZW-L has these functions built-in.  This is because the owner's manual has not accessible to me via the Lionel parts website -- until today.  After checking just a few minutes ago, and finally finding the ZW-L manual, it appears that the ZW-L does not have these special functions in it's software.  On the other hand I was also able to confirm, at the same time and for the same reason, that the Legacy PowerMaster and the Legacy PowerMaster 360 do have them.

Pity, for such an expensive transformer to be missing them, when so many other Lionel devices and the ZW-C's have them.

Mike

You have a very nice layout. I like the old engine shed.

Thank you Charles!

Mike, I tried setting up my ZW-L in command mode, and unless I'm doing it wrong, can confirm that no, it doesn't have this functionality.  I'm going to try to find a cheap TPC or PowerMaster and try that.  Thank  you for the information!

The ZW-L doesn't have the PS/1 & PS/2 macro commands, an unexplained omission for a transformer at this price point.  The Legacy Powermaster does have the macro commands.

@Burl posted:

It worked just fine on my workbench using the two Lionel activation buttons....  I'm going to build a simple version of activation button controllers for my control panel tied to my trolley track.  Thanks again!

Yes, this may be the most cost-effective solution for you.

I used a DPDT switch and a relay plus some diodes I had in my junk box.  One side of the DPDT activates (opens) a normally closed relay (like the push button sound activator), and the other set of poles selects which "diode string" to use.  This let me use a small spot on my control panel for both functions, and I didn't have to buy anything.  Essentially, it's a modification of the designs here: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...7#164024807327903057.  I appreciate all of the advice and information here, I wouldn't have figured this out without everyone's help!